Governors ... Shoreline... Storm Force.. Maximise your Membership The active membership of the Institution continues to grow, with the latest figures showing almost 28,000 Governors and some 140,000 Shoreline members.

Storm Force membership has also grown during the Summer months and now totals more than 13,000 members with 150 groups.

A concerted effort has been made throughout the year to encourage members to pay their annual subscription by direct debit. This method of payment considerably helps to cut our administration costs and in addition the completion of a deed of covenant greatly enhances the value of the subscription at no additional cost to the member.

The reduction in the rate of income tax is to be welcomed, but it does reduce the amount of tax the Institution is able to reclaim from its covenanted subscriptions and an increase in the numbers would help to offset this. If you do not already make your payment by direct debit and under deed of covenant, the RNLI would be pleased if you would consider it. A simple form for completion is currently being sent to all members either with their renewal forms or on joining.

As Winter approaches the skill of our lifeboatmen will no doubt be once again tested to the limits as they answer the many distress calls for those in peril on the sea. In order to carry out their often dangerous tasks they need the best boats and equipment which money can buy. Costs of lifeboats continue to increase and we must make every effort to ensure the best use of our members' subscriptions.

Your assistance therefore in helping to keep down our administrative costs will be greatly appreciated.

Branching out Our branch and guild year end is 30 September, and traditionally this is the time of year for annual meetings to be held - a time to reflect on the activities of the past year and to plan ahead for the future. Our branches and guilds constantly need new helpers, and there will be a branch near you which would be delighted to hear from you if you can spare just a little time to help.

Regional offices will be pleased to supply details of your local branch and their telephone numbers appear on the back of your membership card. The full list of office details is given below.

Whilst the winter storms rage spare a thought for our lifeboatmen (and women) and enlist a further member by getting them to join the membership scheme.

Regional Offices: Scotland, K. Thirlwell, RNLI, Bellevue House, Hopetoun Street, Edinburgh EH7 4ND 031-557 9171; North West, D. M. Jones, RNLI, 18 Half Edge Lane, Eccles, Manchester M30 9GJ 061-787 8779; North East, B. H. Stevenson, RNLI, The Mill, Glasshouses, NrHarrogate,N. YorkshireHG35QH (0423)711667; Wales,Miss A. Williams, RNLI, Caerwys House, Windsor Lane, Cardiff, S.

Glamorgan CF1 3DE (0222) 394546; Central England, R. Mann, RNLI, 102 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 ODF (0527) 575017; Eastern, G. E. Price, RNLI, Spooners Lane, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 5EZ (0473) 822837; South West, A. Young, RNLI, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 1RN (0272) 291939; Southern, Mrs W. Nelson, RNLI, 17 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Ferndown, Dorset BH21 7PE (0202) 891802; South East, M. J. Ashley, RNLI, River House, Bell Lane.

Uckfield, Sussex TN22 1AE (0825) 761466; Greater London, Miss A. Wilkins, RNLI, 202 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JW 071-928 5742; Northern Ireland, Mrs M.E. Duffin, RNLI, 33 Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 4AF (0232) 645645; Irish Republic, J. L. Kavanagh, RNLI, 3 Clare Street, Dublin (0001) 762217. If you are not a member why not join now?.